Coronavirus
COVID-19: Singapore launches drone delivery service
Singapore’s first drone delivery service has begun by taking vitamins to a ship, with its operator saying Wednesday the devices are crucial in reducing human contact during the coronavirus pandemic.
The use of drones is part of the city-state’s drive to embrace technological innovation, as well as an effort to tackle a manpower shortage in a country of just 5.7 million.
The drone delivered two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of vitamins to the ship owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping, its first paying customer, said F-drones, the company behind the service.
READ ALSO: Oxford-developed vaccine protects six Monkeys from Coronavirus
The flight on April 19 lasted seven minutes and was over a distance of 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles), it said.
“Besides being efficient, delivery drones can also reduce unnecessary human contact amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said F-drones chief executive Nicolas Ang.
F-drones said it plans to develop drones that can deliver 100 kilos over distances of 100 kilometres to ships and offshore platforms by the second half of 2021.
Deliveries offshore are currently being done by small boats and helicopters but the company said the use of its unmanned vehicles will save up to 80 per cent of the cost and is more environmentally friendly.
-
News16 hours ago
EFCC boss to pay 17-year-old hacker’s school fees
-
Metro20 hours ago
Fuel queues: Lagos laments traffic jams, threatens unorganized petrol stations
-
News19 hours ago
African countries frustrate Air Peace with high charges – Onyema
-
News15 hours ago
Nigerians face ‘anointing oil’ price hike amid Olive oil scarcity
-
News21 hours ago
2024 UTME results not available on website yet – JAMB
-
News21 hours ago
Obi blames bad road, insecurity as 35 die in Kogi, Enugu
-
News16 hours ago
Peter Obi replies Umahi, denies inciting southeast against FG
-
News15 hours ago
JUST IN: UniAbuja ASUU declares indefinite strike